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LIVING WITH
COPD

LIFESTYLE CHANGES

Stop smoking

Do not be fooled by clever marketing that tells you that an e-cigarette (vape) is a “safer” option than a conventional cigarette due to less harmful tar and combustion products being released; it is still proven to be very harmful to the lungs. E-cigarette aerosols still contain substances that may harm the respiratory system, such as ultrafine particles, volatile organic compounds, and toxic chemicals that are known to irritate the airways. 14

Speak to your doctor about treatments to help you quit smoking. This may include medicine and/or counselling. It may even help to keep track of the money you save by not buying cigarettes or other smoking-related products to appreciate a more tangible benefit of quitting.12

Avoid triggers

Triggers are things that make your COPD worse. Many people with COPD find that dusty or smoky air makes it harder for them to breathe. For others it may be scents, cold air, indoor and outdoor air pollution, humidity or wind. As you learn what your triggers are, you can learn how to avoid them. 4

Exacerbations are usually caused by a trigger such as air pollution or allergens, or even a chest infection from a virus (cold or flu) or bacteria. Do your best to prevent exacerbations and treat them quickly when they occur. 4

Easy tips to avoid triggers 4

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Take care of yourself and try to avoid cold, flu and other infectious diseases

Take all your medications as directed

Eat a healthy, balanced diet

Get enough sleep

Exercise regularly

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Stay away from people who are sick

Get your flu shot (vaccine) and ask about getting a pneumonia shot

Wash your hands properly and often

Follow your COPD Action Plan

Take care of yourself and try to avoid cold, flu and other infectious diseases

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Take all your medications as directed

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Eat a healthy, balanced diet

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Get enough sleep

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Exercise regularly

Stay away from people who are sick

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Get your flu shot (vaccine) and ask about getting a pneumonia shot

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Wash your hands properly and often

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Follow your COPD Action Plan

Look after your mental state

It is just human to feel anxious and depressed when dealing with a chronic, lifelong condition like COPD that might affect other parts of your life, and even lead to social withdrawal and a lack of intimacy with your partner. 24 Your doctor might offer you the details of a professional to help you and your family deal with the emotional impact of the condition. If not, ask your doctor for such a referral, as it has been shown that dealing with your condition with a positive mindset can improve your outcomes and help you keep to your treatment plan more successfully24

Find out more

Exercise and breathing

When you have COPD, exercise training focuses on improving your endurance, muscle strength and flexibility. Breathing exercises can also be useful.

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Diet

Following a healthy diet is very important when living with COPD, as a lack of exercise due to fatigue can cause you to become overweight or even obese.

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